Gas Leak Detection: Natural Gas Leak Symptoms

SYDNEY - Feb. 8, 2023 - PRLog -- Although natural gas is generally safe for consumption, carelessness and neglect in its use and maintenance can put your house at risk for a gas leak.

When a gas leak occurs, it poses a severe threat of carbon monoxide poisoning. Not to mention it can also produce fumes that ignite, leading to fire and explosion. That's why it is extremely important to take precautions if you use natural gas regularly in your home. Those who use natural gas-utilizing equipment on a regular basis must be on the lookout for signs of a leak.

Fortunately, you can detect a natural gas leak by simply using your senses and recognizing certain clues. You simply need to be familiar with its common symptoms. They include the following:

Rotten Eggs Smell

Natural gas is odourless. So, most gas companies intentionally put a foul-smelling element known as mercaptan into natural gas so that it is easy to detect because of its distinctive smell. This odour often smells like rotten eggs or sulphur. If you smell this odour in your home, then it is likely that there is a gas leak.

Hissing or Whistling Noise

Natural gas is delivered to homes via pressurized pipelines. Because of the pressure in the pipes, you may hear a hissing or whistling noise if a pipe leaks. Therefore, it is recommended that you periodically listen to such noises in the areas where your natural gas appliances are located. This way, you will be able to detect a gas leak if it occurs in a timely manner.

Dead or Decaying Plants

Natural gas doesn't just travel through the air. It can also migrate underground. In case of a leak, the gas can kill grass or other plants. So, if you notice dead or dying plants in isolated areas around your house, a natural gas leak might be the culprit.

High Gas Bills

Apart from the above-listed symptoms, an unusually higher gas bill can also be a sign of a natural gas leak. If you have an unusually large utility bill that cannot be explained by increased use, e.g. adding new appliances, more usage during the winter season, etc., then you may have a leak.

A suspected natural gas leak calls for excellent care and caution. If you notice any of the above-listed symptoms in your home, be sure to take immediate preventive actions. These include turning off the gas valve and appliances, opening the doors and windows, leaving the house, warning your family members and nearby people of the suspected leak, and calling emergency services.

For peace of mind and timely detection of a natural gas leak in the future, consider contacting a gas leak detection (https://suresearch.com.au/our-solutions/leak-detection/) company.